Page 3 of 6 · complaints 101–150 of 281

2003 Buick Rendezvous complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices
Filed Jun 15, 201189,000 milesPR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT SMELLED A FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK INLET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 13, 2011140,000 milesNY

IN JAN 2011, FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY AND SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED WITH OEM PART. IN JUNE 2011, THE PART HAD FAILED AGAIN. PER MECHANIC, FAULT IS DUE TO SPEED SENSOR NOT RETURNING CORRECT SPEED WHEN SPEED IS < 8 MPH. PER MECHANIC, THIS WIILL INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN IT OCCURS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 13, 2011100,000 milesNY

MECHANIC STATED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD FAILED. THIS CAUSED ENGINE OIL TO FLOOD COOLANT SYSTEM AND COOLANT TO FLOOD ENGINE. ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, COSTING ~$3600. MECHANIC STATED THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN-PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. AFTER RESEARCHING AND SEEING NO REMEDIATION BY GM, THIS COMPLAINT WAS FILED BASED ON THE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS REPORTED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 13, 2011109,248 milesMI

BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINE ON FIREWALL ABOVE EXHAUST PIPE. I WAS ABLE TO BRING CAR TO FULL STOP USING EMERGENCY BRAKE. BECAUSE OF LIGHT TRAFFIC AND LOW SPEED MAJOR ACCIDENT WAS AVOID. BRAKE LINE FIXED BY SHELTON BUICK DEALER IN ROCHESTER HILLS AND PRICE WAS $429.70. I'M FINDING OUT THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF GM VEHICLES.

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed May 22, 2011PA

MY 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS HAS A ABS PROBLEM WHERE IT ENGAGES COMPLETELY ON ITS OWN WHENEVER THE OUTSIDE TEMP IS MORE THAN 50 DEGREES. WHILE DRIVING, I HEAR A HUMMING NOISE AT VARIOUS TIME DURING MY DRIVE AND WHEN I PUSH THE BRAKES THE ABS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED AND THE PETAL PULSES AND A GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. ALTHOUGH, THE ABS LIGHT DOES NOT LIGHT UP ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. THIS IS CONSTANT THROUGHOUT THE MONTHS OF MAY THROUGH OCTOBER SINCE THE TEMP IS ABOVE 50 DEGREES DURING THE DAY. I HAVE HAD BOTH FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES AND WIRE HARNESS REPLACED WITH NO AVAIL. THEN, DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, THE AWD SYSTEM DISABLES ANYTIME I HAVE TIRE(S) SPINNING. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND NOT ONE SEEM TO HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT CAN BE WRONG. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE FINDING AN ALARMING AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM CONCERNING THEIR RENDEZVOUS, BUT NO SOLUTION. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 3, 201176,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM WAS ENGAGING INDEPENDENTLY AND AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS INSPECTED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND AS A LAST RESORT, THE CONTACT COMPLETELY DISCONNECTED THE ABS SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 30, 2011145,000 milesMI

2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS - THE GAS GAGE DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY. SOMETIMES IT WILL READ FULL AND THEN IT WILL DROP TO EMPTY. THEN THE GAGE WILL RANDOMLY READ FULL AGAIN. THE GAGE WILL NOT READ ANYTHING OTHER THAN FULL OR EMPTY. IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. WE TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $300 TO FIX IT. I BELIEVE THEY SAID IT WAS THE SENDING UNIT (BUT I DO NOT REMEMBER FOR SURE). THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE WE COULD RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 26, 201140,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ROCKER ARM BOLTS FRACTURED FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK WHICH CAUSED THE HEAD GASKET TO FAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE 110,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2011135,000 milesNJ

FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE BOLT THAT HOLDS DOWN THE DOHC ROD BACKED OUT, AND RESULTED IN SEVERE ENGINE FAILURE. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT RESULTS FROM HEAT OVER TIME. BUICK HAS FAILED TO EVER ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS VERY EXPENSIVE PREVENTIVE REPAIR ISSUE. HOW CAN A MANUFACTURER NOT ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. ?? *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 27, 2011129,000 milesMS

I JUST FOUND THIS LINK TODAY. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS OUT OF MY 03 RENDEZVOUS. I HAD MY BRAKES CHANGED, AND EVERYTHING HAS WENT TO HELL. THE BRAKES RATTLE, MY AWD DISABLED, AND MY ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON. I HAD THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY LOOKED AT IN AUGUST 2010. ONCE THE ROTORS WERE TURNED IT SEEMED TO HAVE SOLVED THE PROBLEMS. SINCE THE WARM WEATHER HAS RETURNED, THE PROBLEMS HAS STARTED BACK. IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEMS, I AM LOOKING INTO POSSIBLE INTAKE MANIFOLD BEING REPLACED OR REPAIRED DUE TO ANTIFREEZE LEAKAGE. ANY HELP WILL BE USEFUL. THANKS! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 20, 2010114,324 milesNY

UNDETECTED SAFETY HAZARD WITH 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS..SPENT OVER 11,000 WITH REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE ON THIS SUV AND NOW OVER 5000 DOLLARS TRYING TO FIND THE REASON FOR THE VEHICLE TO KEEP SHUTTING DOWN AFTER APPX. 40 MILES OF STOP AND GO TRAFFIC..HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS OF BEING HIT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN 5 TIMES TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM TO NO AVAIL..CAN NOT AFFORD TO TRADE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE TOO..IT LOSES POWER TOO WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS..THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE IT WHEN THEY DRIVE IT..I HAVE HAD 2 OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM..I BELIEVE THIS IS A VERY BIG CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY AND OTHERS TOO. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 3, 201067,000 milesIL

OPENED CAR AT END OF WORKDAY, AND FOUND AN ELECTRICAL FIRE HAD MELTED PART OF THE DASHBOARD, PART OF DRIVER'S SEAT AND CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE ENTIRE CAR WAS COVERED IN SOOT AND SMELLED OF ELECTRICAL FIRE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION OF A PROBLEM, NOR HAD THERE BEEN ANY RECENT REPAIRS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Oct 21, 201087,000 milesNJ

OCTOBER 21, 2010, WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM AT 51,000 MILES HAD TO CONSTANTLY ADD COOLANT EVERY WEEK; NEVER SAW ANY LEAKS IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. SUV NOW HAS 87,000 MILES, COOLING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO GET VERY HOT, HAD THE THERMOSTAT REPLACED OCT. 8, 2010, ENGINES CONTINUES TO GET VERY HOT IN JUST A 8 MILE DRIVE. ALSO, MOTOR OIL CONTINUES TO SHOW UP IN THE OVERFLOW/COOLANT ADDING CONTAINER. CHECKED COOLING FAN OPERATION AND BOTH FANS ARE WORKING. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 6, 2010160,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN EMITTING SMOKE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMOVED THE CONTROL BOX. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED WIRES MELTING INSIDE THE BOX WHICH STOPPED THE AIR CONDITIONER FAN FROM RUNNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 1, 201070,311 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD THREE OF THE FOUR CYLINDER'S REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CARMAX DEALERSHIP WERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED HONORED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FIRST TWO CYLINDERS, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BUICK DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CYLINDER FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING ON/OFF SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70311 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 23, 201054,000 miles00

BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINE ON FIREWALL ABOVE EXHAUST PIPE. THOSE 2 BRAKE LINES ARE SHIELDED TOGETHER BY A HEAT SHIELDED INSULATION WHICH IN RETURN KEEPS IN MOISTURE AND CORRODES BRAKE LINES,VERY POOR DESIGN. CALLED GM TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL AND SEE IF THEY CAN DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FINANCIALLY ,WAITING FOR ANSWER. THIS IS GOING TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND EXPENSIVE ONE,ON TOP OF BEING A DANGEROUS ONE. HAVE TO REPLACE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LINES,IF ONE CORRODED THE OTHER ONE WILL FOLLOW. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 27, 201032,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE FRONT, DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW, THE WINDOW WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW GUIDES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE WINDOW GUIDES WERE REPLACED AGAIN. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW EXHIBITED THE EXACT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 10/01/2010. *LJ UPDATED 10/04/10*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 11, 201079,000 milesFL

LOSING OIL AND WATER EVERYDAY TEMP. GAUGE SHOWING HOT. NOW TRAC AND ANTI BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. BRAKE PEDAL IS GOT A JUMPING MOVEMENT. WE GOT OUR 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS A COUPLE YEARS AGO. *TR

Traction Control System
Filed May 9, 201039,558 milesNY

THIS HAS OCCURRED ON AND OFF SINCE PURCHASING MY 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS IN JANUARY 2005. USUALLY OCCURS WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPS ARE WARMER, SPRING THRU FALL, NOT IN THE WINTER. AT SLOW SPEEDS ( 10 TO 20 MILES/HOUR) WHEN BRAKING AND/OR TURNING STEERING WHEEL WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, A GRINDING/CRUNCHING NOISE IS HEARD AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES FEELS LIKE YOU ARE CRUSHING SOMETHING WITH YOUR FEET. BRAKES DO NOT WORK IMMEDIATELY. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT, AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE OFF INDICATOR LIGHTS ALL COME ON AND STAY ON AFTER THE BRAKING AND NOISE STOPS. WARNING LIGHTS SOMETIMES STAY ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTERWARDS. JUST BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE CAN EVEN CAUSE THIS TO OCCUR. RECENTLY I HAD AN INSTANCE WHEN DRIVING AT 10 TO 15 MILES/HOUR AND COULD NOT STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. CAR FINALLY CAME TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FOUR-WAY STOP AFTER I SLAMMED BRAKES TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP CANNOT NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HAVE HAD IN FOR SERVICE FOR THIS THREE TIMES AND ONLY ERROR SHOWING UP WAS RIGHT FRONT SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION BUT UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM WHILE IN FOR SERVICE. I LEFT DEALERSHIP AND WITHIN A MILE IT STARTED AGAIN. I KEEP DRIVING THE CAR BUT AM FRUSTRATED BECAUSE THEY CANNOT FIX IT, AND PRAY I DON'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR HIT A PEDESTRIAN BECAUSE I CANNOT STOP. BRAKES DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM AT DRIVING SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 28, 201054,355 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, CAR BUCKS, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON....EITHER FLASHING OR SOLID. 1) CYLINDER BOLT ON ROCKER #3 PULLED OUT 01/29/2009; 2) LIFTERS FOR CYLINDER #1 COLLAPSED 02/25/2009. TODAY (04/28/2010) CAR IS BACK IN SHOP. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY LAST NIGHT, SAME SYMPTOM. DEALER OFFERED TENTATIVE DIAGNOSIS OF PULLED ROCKER ARM IN REAR OF ENGINE. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Apr 7, 201065,373 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED WITH A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO A MELTED CABLE CONNECTED TO THE HEATER AND THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE HEATER MODULE AND CABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,373.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 18, 2010OR

1ST TIME: DRIVING INTO PORTLAND, OR. WHEN ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A AWFUL NOISE BY THE TIME I FOUND A DEALER THE SOUND WAS AWFUL. THE DEALER SAID THAT I HAD 1 PUSH ROD JAMMED AND LOCKED UP. IT WAS REPLACED. 2ND.TIME 1 YEAR TO THE MONTH IT HAPPENED AGAIN. TOOK TO DEALER AND #4 LOCKED UP AND BENT. THE DEALER SAID THIS IS BECOMING A COMMON ITEM WITH THIS CAR. IT SEEMS THAT BECAUSE OF THE ALUMINUM BLOCK EXPANDS AND RETRACKS WHEN IT IS HOT THAT THE BOLT USED TO PUSH THE ROD COMES LOOSE AND CAUSES THE ROD THE FINELLY BEND. I CHECK WITH ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND THEY HAD, HAD 2 IN THE LAST YEAR. I WAS TOLD THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL I REPLACE ALL RODS. AT WHICH TIME THEY WILL PUT IN NEW BOLTS WITH LOCK TIGHT SO THEY WILL NOT COME LOOSE.SO FAR I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT ONLY ONE AT A TIME HAS GOOD. IF TWO HAD GONE OUT THEY SAID I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. AS IT WOULD LOCK UP. *TR

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Nov 18, 200990,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2003. SHE STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON THE VEHICLE AND OVER TIME IT DEVELOPED A SLOW LEAK. THERE WERE REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IT BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO UTILIZE THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD LEAK BACK OUT. THE HUB BEARINGS ALSO FAILED CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FUNCTION IMPROPERLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP AND EARLY WEAR AND TEAR ON HER TIRES. NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNDER 90,000.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Nov 4, 200955,000 milesMN

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOW MOTORS ON MY BUICK RENDEZVOUS (2003) HAVE BOTH STOPPED WORKING. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL PARTS THAT ARE MADE OF CHEAP PLASTIC AND TO REPAIR WILL COST OVER $500 PER WINDOW. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 28, 200949,860 milesAE

2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS IS LEAKING FUEL AROUND WHERE THE FUEL INLET JOINS THE GAS TANK. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2007 BUT GM CLAIMS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 7, 200967,000 milesOH

MY 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS HAS A SLOW GAS LEAK. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2009OH

2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS...MAKING HUMMING NOISE WHEN TURNING WHEEL. VERY BAD. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND THEY TELL ME IT IS THE DIFFERENTIAL, THAT IT WILL TAKE 9 PINTS OF FLUID TO FLUSH IT OUT AT 29 DOLLARS A PINT! IF I DON'T GET THIS DONE, IT WILL FREEZE UP AND WILL NOT MOVE. I CAME HOME AND LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET AND CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I AM READING. EVERY PERSON THAT HAS HAD A BUICK RENDEZVOUS , THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. I AM NOT TALKING A FEW, THERE WAS ABOUT 300 OF THEM , JUST POSTED ON THE INTERNET. WHY WOULD THERE NOT BE A RECALL ON THIS? I WOULD REALLY CONSIDER THAT ALL OF THEM DOING THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT SOMEWHERE. ONE WOMAN EVEN STATED THAT SHE HAD TO DO THIS EVERY YEAR THAT SHE HAD IT!!! THESE ARE NOT CHEAP CARS TO OWN. I HAVE ONLY HAD MINE 1 YEAR AND HAVE PUT 2000 MILES ON IT. IT NOW ONLY HAS 55, 000 MILES ON IT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT QUALIFIES A RECALL? I AM SURE I WILL BE LETTING IT SIT WHILE I AM STILL MAKING ANOTHER 4 YEARS PAYMENTS ON IT. NO WAY CAN ANYONE AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THE SAME THING EVERY YEAR. IT IS GOING TO COST BETWEEN 450 AND 625 TO FIX IT...THE MECHANIC TOLD ME AND THEN COULDN'T PROMISE THAT IT WOULD STAY FIXED. I THINK SOMETHING SHOULD REALLY BE INVESTIGATED ON THIS ONE. I HOPE YOU CHECK OUT THE COMPLAINTS ONLINE CONCERNING THIS....THANK YOU! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jul 20, 200980,565 milesSC

2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR $8200 ONE MONTH AGO. THE CAR HAD ONLY 78,000 BUT NOW HAS 81,000. IN ONE MONTH'S TIME AND 3000 MILES WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES, THE MUFFLER, THE PLUGS AND WIRES, AS WELL AS THE COIL PACK. NOW WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM! ANTIFREEZE SMELL, KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE... LIKE ALL OTHER COMPLAINTS, IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER 2003 RENDEZVOUS WITH A BLOWN HEAD GASKET. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND OVER 300 DIFFERENT COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT GASKET PROBLEM. WHAT CAN WE DO? THE FAILURE INFO: THE CAR IS JUMPING AT IDLE AND AT LOW SPEEDS EVERY TIME IT'S DRIVEN. IT'S NOW MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE THAT KNOCKS QUICKER THE MORE YOU SPEED UP. THE KNOCK IS SO LOUD NOW THAT THE ONLY PLACE IT IS BEING DRIVEN IS TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR WHAT WE ARE SURE IS ANOTHER HEAD GASKETS, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD REPLACED WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL. *TR

Steering
Filed Jun 5, 200955,937 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD SNAPPING AND CLICKING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. LATER, THE KEYS BECAME LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND HE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE OR TURN THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TO MAKE CLICKING, GRINDING, AND SNAPPING NOISES. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT NOT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REMEDY THE FAILURES. THEY STATED THAT THEY DID EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS, BUT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 55,937. UPDATED 5/20/2010 *CN THE STEERING RACK AND PINION WAS ALSO REPLACED. UPDATED 08/18/10*JB

VisibilityFire
Filed Apr 30, 2009140,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE STALLS AND SHUTS OFF AT ALL TIMES. THE VEHICLE ALSO SMOKES A LOT AND THE GASKET OVERHEATED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE BUICK DEALER HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK MAKING REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THAT DIFFERENT FAILURES KEEP ARISING, SUCH AS THE AIR MAST FLOW SENSOR HAD TO BE CHANGED TWICE, ALONG WITH THE WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND NEW THERMOSTATS WERE INSTALLED. THE REPAIR COULD POSSIBLY COST MORE THAN $2,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 21, 200951,000 milesIL

HEADS UP DISPLAY FLICKERS ON AND OFF IN WINDSHIELD NON STOP, LIGHTER FUSE ALWAYS BLOWS EVERY 1-3 DAYS. AIR SUSPENSION PUMP MAKES LOUD VIBRATING NOISE DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SEAT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Apr 19, 200938,000 milesIL

AT 38,000 MILES , WAS TOLD BY MY SERVICE MAN THAT I HAD SMALL HEAD GASKET AND INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS RESULTING IN COOLANT LOSS. WAS TOLD REPAIR WOULD BE ABOUT $700, AND IF THE LEAKS GOT WORSE IT COULD JUMP THE BILL UP TO 3,200 DOLLARS. CONTACTED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, THEY KIND OF CHUCKLED AND WERE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT AS OF 4/19/09 THERE IS NO RECALL. FROM INTERNET RESEARCH THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. LOOKING AT ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE, IT SHOWS IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. GM IS NEGLECTING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES BY NOT DOING A RECALL. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.*TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 4, 2009NY

2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS LICENSE PLATE COLOR GREY. VEHICLE PARKED ILLEGALLY AT GALE PLACE AND VANCORTLAND PARK SOUTH AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSWAY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 17, 200955,000 milesOK

BOUGHT THE CAR APROX. 3 YEARS AGO,A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT,IT NOW HAS APROX.60,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN THE LAST YEAR [ 2008 ] IT HAS STARTED LOOSING COOLANT,NOT EXTERNALLY,HAVING TO REFILL OVERFLOW TANK EVERY 1,500 TO 2,000 MILES,WE HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED EVERY 3,000 MILES,USING PURE SYNTHETIC,WITH THE AMOUNT OF UPPER ENGINE GASKET FAILURES ,APPARENTLY CAUSED BY ANTIFREEZE DETERATING HEAD AND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS,ENDING IN CATASTROPHIC GASKET FAILURE,AND MOST OF THE COOLANT IN OIL,AND THE ONLY REPAIR IS REPLACING DEFECTIVE GASKET,WHERE AS THE PROPER REPAIR WOULD BE FOR THE WHOLE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED,HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL OR CLASS ACTION TAKEN HERE IN THE U.S. I KNOW CANADA HAS, I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE MY ENGINE NOW HAS A BOTTOM END RATTLE,IE THE CRANKSHAFT AND OR CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS WORN, I HAVE DONE AUTO MECHANIC WORK FOR 30 YEARS AND I KNOW THIS IS A SIGN OF PREMATURE WARE,THEN ENGINE FAILURE,AND I FEEL G.M. SHOULD BE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT,PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jan 15, 200968,399 milesOH

WE HAVE A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS WITH 60,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL. WE HAVE TWICE EXPERIENCED LOWER INTAKE GASKET FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN TWO EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILLS. LUCKILY THE LEAKS WERE NOTICED BEFORE THEY COULD CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. DURING THE LAST FAILURE, WE HAD LOST MOST OF THE COOLANT, WHICH WAS NOT INDICATED BY THE "LOW COOLANT" ALARM. LUCKILY WE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR WINDOW SERVICE AT A GM DEALER AND THEY NOTICED THE PROBLEM DURING ROUTINE INSPECTION. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE PREVIOUS REPAIR, WHICH WAS DONE AT ANOTHER DEALER, DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY HAD FAILED TO NOTICE THE HEAD GASKET SEALS WHICH WERE LEAKING AND LED TO THE INTAKE GASKET FAILURE. THEY DID REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS AND SEALS AT "GM GOODWILL" WITH NO COSTS FOR THE PARTS. WE HAVE NOW SPENT OVER $3000 IN REPAIRS TO THIS ENGINE ON SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ALONG THIS LINE ON OTHER FORUMS AND I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED . *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jan 10, 200948,000 milesMN

BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS ON OUR 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. WE'VE BEEN TOLD IT COULD COST UP TO $400 PER WINDOW. WE'VE COME ACROSS SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF GM PRODUCT. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 1, 200855,000 milesSC

OUR VEHICLE BROKE DOWN IN NORTH CAROLINA FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21ST WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND WE ARE SHUT DOWN. AFTER TOWING TO A LOCAL GARAGE WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. WE KNEW THAT THE OIL CHANGE HAD BEEN DONE VERY RECENTLY AND WAS COMING DUE AT 3000 MILES BUT THE OIL LIFE WAS STILL 38% MEANING WE STILL HAD OIL AND IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION UNTIL THE LIFE WAS 0%. SO THE OIL LEAK WAS A MYSTERY. THEY RECOMMENDED WE LEAVE THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE ENGINE. WE CHOSE TO DRIVE ON TO VIRGINIA SINCE WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND NEW OIL PUT IN. CHECKED ALL THE WAY-NO OVERHEATING ETC. CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD US TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT. THEY FINALLY GAVE US THE BAD NEWS ON TUESDAY. ENGINE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. WE WERE STRANDED IN DC FOR 6 DAYS WAITING ON GM TO TELL US IF THEY WOULD ASSIST WITH ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND THEY WILL NOT. HAD TO LEAVE OUR VEHICLE THERE AND COME HOME. NOW THEY WANT US TO PAY $6000 FOR A NEW ENGINE ON A VEHICLE WORTH $8000, BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2003 WITH 55K MILES. WE HAVE COMPLETE MAINTENANCE RECORDS SHOWING WE TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE. WE FOUND OUT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT THAT INVOLVES OUR VEHICLE AND RELATES TO ENGINE FAILURE. ACTION ENDED OCT 2008 SO WE HAVE NO CHANCE OF PARTICIPATING-PLUS THERE IS A CANADIAN CLASS ACTION FOR THE SAME ISSUES-WE KNEW NOTHING FROM GM ABOUT DEFECTS THAT WOULD CAUSE OUR ENGINE TO FAIL. NOW I AM STRANDED AT HOME (LUCKILY I WORK FROM HOME

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Nov 28, 200852,000 milesVA

INTAKE GASKETS ON 2001-2003 (MAYBE MORE) LEAKS PREMATURE. BUICK HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. CLASS ACTION SUIT IN CANADA ABOUT THIS NOW. THIS PROBLEM GASKET WILL LEAK WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AND CAUSE ENGINE TO OVER HEAT. HAVE TO PUT THE RENDEZVOUS IN THE SHOP TO HAVE FIXED( APPROX. $600.00) BUICK WILL NOT HELP IN THE COST. RENDEZVOUS HAS APPROX. 52,000 MILES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 25, 200830,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK ANTIFREEZE, WHICH CAUSED IT NOT TO PRODUCE A LOT OF HEAT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE ANTIFREEZE ADDED EVERY MONTH, BUT THE CONTACT NEVER ACTUALLY SAW IT LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT ANTIFREEZE AND OIL WERE LEAKING INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $700. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO CURRENT RECALL; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY EXPENSES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 23, 200865,000 milesIL

HAD TO REPLACE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING ON 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS CZ (AWD) AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES. NOW THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING IS BEING REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES. THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT IN THIS BUICK PRODUCT AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Oct 15, 200872,390 milesGA

THERE IS A RECALL - INVESTIGATION # EA 07-006 THAT DESCRIBES A GAS LEAK NEAR THE INLET OF THE GAS TANK. I SMELL GAS FUMES IN MY GARAGE EVERY DAY AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK AND THERE IS RESIDUE UNDER THE TANK INLET ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE BUICK DEALER ON 10/4/08 AND THEY INDICATED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF CRACKS AND THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I AM STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM AND THE DEALER HAS PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THERE IS GAS RESIDUE ALONG THE SIDE OF THE TANK. WHAT CAN I DO? SO FAR THE DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING BUT INSPECT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 200860,300 milesOR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 2007, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD NOISE WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED FOR FREE. TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED HER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOX FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT GEARS, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE OIL WAS CONTAMINATED AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED SINCE THE LAST INCIDENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,874 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,300.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 27, 200876,352 milesNC

ON JUNE 4TH,2008 OUR 2003 BUICK RENDEVOUS # BEGAN LEAKING FUEL FROM THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK. WE WERE ON VACATION WITH OUR THREE GRANDCHILDREN AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THEY SAID I HAD TO HAVE THE WHOLE FUEL TANK REPLACED. I HAD IT REPLACED AND LEARNT LATER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAD MY DEALER LOOK AT THE CAR AND THEY ADVISED ME TO SEND IN A CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST. BUICK HAS ADVISED ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED , BY SERIAL NUMBER EVEN THOUGH IT WAS IN THE SAME PLACE EVERY OTHER ONE WAS FAILING AT. I HAD BROUGHT THE CAR TO SPECIFICALLY CARRY MY GRANDCHILDREN WITH THE THIRD SEAT. THEIR AGES ARE 4,3 AND 1 1/2. LUCKY WE DID NOT HAVE A FIRE. THE THRUST OF MY COMPLAINT IS THAT REGARDLESS OF THE SERIAL # ISSUE, THEY HAVE A BIGGER PROBLEM WITH A LOT MORE FUEL TANKS THEN THEY ARE WILLING TO ADMIT TO. IN MY 45 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER HAD A FUEL TANK PROBLEM .AND THE DEALERS I HAVE TALKED TO AGREE WITH ME. I THINK I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED AND YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS CONTINUING FUEL TANK ISSUE BEFORE SOME INNOCENT CHILDREN GET BURNT ALIVE. AWAITING YOUR REPLY. JIM RYAN *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 200875,000 milesCT

SMOKE BEGAN TO BILLOW INTO VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER OUR BABYSITTER PULLED OUT FROM PARKING LOT. SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN FOR REPAIR, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INSULATION ON THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS HAD WORN THROUGH WHERE THE WIRES RUBBED AGAINST THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. DEEMED BY MECHANIC TO HAVE BEEN A DESIGN FLAW THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN A FIRE. I HAVE THE REMAINS OF THE WIRING HARNESS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR INSPECTION IF NECESSARY. *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Aug 25, 200866,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT WHEN SHE ADJUSTED HER SEAT, THE TRACK RAN OVER A CORD IN THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CREATED A FIRE. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE OPTIONAL HEAT/COOLER INTEGRATED SEATS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THE WIRING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 66,000.

Visibility1 injured
Filed Aug 15, 200822,000 milesNV

PLASTIC WINDOW CLIPS BROKE ON ALL 4 WINDOWS. WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP. DEALER WANTS $500.00 EACH WINDOW TO FIX THAT'S 2,000.00 .DEBRIS FLEW IN WINDOW ON FREEWAY HIT EYEBROW AND GLASSES RESULTING IN CUT AND BLOOD INTO EYE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 29, 2008116,248 milesPA

COOLING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO GET VERY HOT AFTER THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED. IF AC IS ON TEMPERATURE GAUGE STAYS 3/4 QUARTERS OF THE WAY. GM TESTED COOLING FAN OPERATION AND BOTH FANS ARE RUNNING. PRESSURE TESTED SYSTEM FOR LEAK. FOUND REAR HEAD GASKET LEAKING FLUID. PER GM HEAD GASKETS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. HEADS WOULD NEED TO BE SENT OUT AND MILLED. PARTS AND LABOR WOULD BE AROUND $1849.22. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed May 7, 2008PA

2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS WHEEL BEARING NOISE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE ROTORS WITH THE WRONG KIND. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKE PADS TO CRUMBLE DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER TO HAVE CORRECT WORK DONE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INSTALLED FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ROTORS INSTEAD OF ALL WHEEL DRIVE ROTORS. THE ROTORS INSTALLED WERE SMALLER IN DIAMETER THAN THE PROPER ROTORS. *JB

Power Train › Driveline
Filed May 2, 200867,083 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ALL WHEEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT IT WAS DISABLED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A NEARBY BUICK DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS COMING APART ON THE INSIDE. THE COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS $2,667, BUT THE CONTACT WAS CHARGED $1,302.58. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,083. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ UPDATED 05/20/08

Visibility
Filed Apr 27, 2008141,000 milesMI

WHEN SNOW BUILDS UP IN WHEEL WELLS THE AWD BECAME DISABLED AND SPUN OUT IN ROAD, HAVE FAILED WITH MUD, BUILD UP AS WELL HAD REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE OWNING VEHICLE. ALSO FEEL THAT THE SIDEVIEW MIRRORS HAVE DANGEROUS BLIND SPOT THAT COULD BE A PROBLEM. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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